Troop 95 History

T95 has a long history in the Medinah IL area; Chartered in 1961 to The Medinah Spring Valley Improvement Association under the guidance of James Peterson (SM) and Leonard Norberg (CC) the Troop quickly grew to a membership of 38 youth by 1967.  During the 60’s and 70’s the unit earned many awards including the A OK Unit award (62) and the Honor unit award (63).  They started a tradition of holding an annual Pancake day to earn money for the boy’s outings and summer camps.  They were active in the outdoors and took many trips including Washington DC in 1966, CFL in 1968 and a trip to Yellowstone in the summer of 1969.  James Bruce took over the SM duties in 1962 and held that spot until Frank Wilke took over in 68.  In 1969 George Hanna took over as SM and along with Robert Hellem (CC) managed the Troop until the mid 70’s.  

The 80’s and early 90’s brought a bit of a downturn for the membership of T95, culminating in 1992 with an all time attendance low.  With the Troop barely hanging on a group of scouts from nearby Troop 20 decided to leave their unit and move over to T95.

They brought with them a fresh group of Scouts and leaders and helped the troop grow to what it is today. Under the 10 year guidance of Jerry Tipperreiter the Troop flourished.  The membership grew and they remained active in the outdoors with High Adventure trips to the Florida Seabase, Philmont Scout ranch, Adirondacks Mtns in NY, Whitewater rafting in Colorado and West Va.  Wayne Kidd kept the troop hiking, camping and sailing for about 3 years including High Adventure trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, The Boundary Waters and Chesapeake Bay Sailing Base.

Today under Mike Miller (SM) and many active assistant scoutmasters and committee members the Troop thrives.  

As a boy led troop the Scouts gather in July to plan the next year’s outings and events. Troop 95 continues to enjoy an active camping schedule.  The tradition of helping the boys earn the money to pay for their trips also continues with fund raising opportunities including cutting lawns, candy and wreath sales and of course Trail’s End popcorn.  

The Troop today is chartered by the Medinah Park District who takes good care of T95, giving them a place to meet, a spot for their trailer and their undying support in the many projects the boys take on.